How might leaders make others feel powerful? Delegating authority gives power to others, yet someone has to be accountable, so with power, comes accountability, be prepared for clashes as resentment can occur if all parties are not informed of the power decision process. Be open and clear in your decisions ex. “Bob’s been doing a great job” and we are going to make him the team leader! This way everyone understands the power and achievement factors involved with the decision.

Thanks Tim. An understanding of authority really helps. Delegate authority, even though you maintain ultimate responsibility. The leader has to answer for her/his own actions and the results of others.

Power and leadership is like two sides of a coin, leadership on one side management on the other. They co-exist. Keeping people accountable is management – empowering them is leadership.Tim your comment about delegation is spot on – this is how leaders build new leaders. Thanks Dan for your valuable insights as always.

I’ve had but only recently Considered the book, “Full Steam Ahead” by Blanchard and Stoner. Their thoughts and recommendations on developing a purposeful vision (individual or organization, personal or career) makes all the sense in the world to me. Specifically, for organizations, if developed by the organization, it provides all the right delegation of effort that makes Leadership impactful – never management related!!!